Singapore itinerary — 3 days

One of the world's finest zoological gardens, opened in 1973 within the lush rainforest of the Mandai peninsula. Renowned for its open-concept design, the zoo replaces cages with hidden moats, rock barriers, and lush vegetation. Covering 28 hectares, it is home to over 4,200 animals across 300 species. Highlights include free-ranging orangutans, a walk-through Fragile Forest biodome, and tram rides through tropical zones.

A 280-metre pedestrian bridge across Marina Bay, opened in 2010. Its steel 'helix' takes its cue from DNA — a woven mesh of curved tubes that looks spectacular at night when lit up. Viewing pockets along the deck frame Marina Bay Sands, the observation wheel and the downtown skyline. The bridge links the Marina Centre with the Bayfront area, letting you cross the bay in just a few minutes.

Fort Canning Park is a tranquil hilltop sanctuary in central Singapore, steeped in centuries of heritage as the ancestral seat of 14th-century Malay royalty and a British colonial military stronghold. Its lush grounds feature archaeological sites, historic spice gardens, 19th-century fortress gates, and the Battlebox subterranean WWII bunker. It is also famous for the scenic spiral staircase tree tunnel at Fort Canning Park crossing.

A breathtaking floral wonderland perched on the highest hill within the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. Opened in 1995, it showcases over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. Visitors wander through terraced gardens, explore the misted Sembcorp Cool House, and admire the VIP Orchid Garden, where unique blooms are named after visiting heads of state and historical celebrities.

An eccentric park built in 1937 by the Aw brothers, makers of Tiger Balm. More than a thousand statues and dioramas illustrate Chinese mythology, legends and moral lessons; the most famous scene, the Ten Courts of Hell, depicts graphic punishments for sinners. Admission is free, the crowds are far thinner than at mainstream Singapore attractions, and an MRT station of the same name sits right at the gate.

One of Singapore's last fragments of primary rainforest, protected since 1883 around Bukit Timah Hill — at 163 metres the country's highest natural point. A single hectare here holds more plant species than all of North America, and macaques and monitor lizards patrol the paths. The main route to the summit is short but steep; the reserve reopened in 2016 after restoration. Come early for cooler air and fewer people.

Sentosa is the resort island off Singapore's southern coast, converted from a military base into a leisure zone in 1972. It packs Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, a skyline luge and the cable car from Mount Faber. Three beaches — Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong — run along the southern shore, and Second World War Fort Siloso works as an open-air museum. The free Sentosa Express monorail links the island to VivoCity.

One of Singapore's largest, most dynamic street bazaars, housing over 800 retail stalls beneath sheltered, air-cooled passages. Once a notorious nightlife quarter, it has evolved into a thriving three-story retail labyrinth packed with trendy fashion apparel, Korean skincare, watches, and souvenirs. The ground floor buzzes with food vendors serving fresh dragon fruit juices, crispy kaya toasts, and savory street bites at bargain prices.

One of the world's largest giant observation wheels, soaring 165 metres above the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore. A rotation inside one of the 28 spacious, air-conditioned glass capsules takes about 30 minutes, delivering 360-degree vistas of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait. Visitors also explore the multisensory Time Capsule exhibit showcasing the island nation's rich heritage.

Singapore's most popular coastal park, stretching along 15 kilometers of scenic shoreline reclaimed on the southeastern coast. Lined with casuarinas and swaying palms, it features dedicated cycling lanes, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. Visitors flock here for rollerblading, beach sports, coastal breezes, family playgrounds at Coastal PlayGrove, and iconic hawker seafood dining at East Coast Seafood Centre.